Blog Post

Follow these simple tips for using and maintaining electrical switches, leads and power points and making your home safe:

Switches, power points and power boards

Do not overload power points or power boards by “piggy backing” plugs into one socket or by using double adaptors – all power boards have maximum current ratings. Arrange for an additional power point to be installed by a licensed electrical professional

Do not allow children to play with power points or switches

Insert safety plugs in unused power point sockets – to prevent accidental contact

Ensure electrical cords are not hanging from benches where children can grab them

Do not plug high wattage appliances (such as heaters) into power boards – they may overheat the circuit wiring through overload and cause a fire

Place power boards in ventilated areas and keep them free of dust and dirt – if there is a build up of dirt, moisture, grease or oil on or around power points and switches, have them tested by a licensed electrical professional

Do not spray household cleaners, detergents or insecticides on switches and power points

Do not wipe power points or switches with a wet cloth

Extension leads

Use extension leads only as a temporary measure

Extension leads should have plugs with three metal cores (pins) – plugs with two cores are not earthed, are dangerous and should only be used with double insulated electrical equipment

Place extension leads carefully around furniture preferably securely taped to the floor, or along wall edges

Do not place extension leads near heaters and cookers

Do not connect a piggyback plug to the end of an extension lead to make it longer – the pins will be live, and therefore extremely dangerous

Do not attempt to repair electrical leads yourself, and never join them by twisting or taping

Extension leads that are damaged, frayed or have exposed inner wires should be thrown away or repaired only by licensed electricity professional Do not make up a long extension lead from a series of shorter ones

If using extension leads outdoors check them regularly for signs of damage or age